One of my clients has been a prolific letter writer for much of her 64 years of life. In addition to many of the benefits that you listed, like strengthening her own writing/voice, writing to process her thoughts/emotions, writing to get to know herself, her writing has also been reciprocated and she now has boxes and boxes and boxes of letter she has received over the years. As her life changes seasons, she has decided that it's time to share some of the letters she has received - for friends who have passed away, she is sending the letters to a spouse or child as a way of honoring her friends who have passed, and for some who are still living she is sending their letters back to them with a newly written letter sharing how much the letters meant to her, calling out specific things they wrote, etc. It has been beautiful to see just how much her life and friendships have been shaped through the gift and discipline of letter writing.
Oh my goodness, Laurel, this brought tears to my eyes! I had never thought of letter-writing as a way to archive and bear witness to the lives of people who cross our paths, and then to ensure the continuity of the memory of their love, beauty, and worthiness by passing the letters on to future generations. I love the organic, intimate, and tender thread that this creates, linking us together. Your client is such an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing this story!
I love how you said to "bear witness" - it makes me think of Winston and Clementine Churchill - in Sonia Purnell's biography of Clementine, she makes regular mention of the 1,500+ letters that the couple wrote to one another throughout their marriage and life together, and how those letters bore witness to the events and seasons of their lives and the thoughts and emotions that accompanied them. Reading some of the letters brought them and their relationship to life for me.
Aw, thank you so much, Lisa! I agree - it can be hard to overcome all the barriers to writing a letter, but just like any art form or creative project, is so meaningful when we do! And calligraphy is so much fun! David's saying is my new mantra, too!
One of my clients has been a prolific letter writer for much of her 64 years of life. In addition to many of the benefits that you listed, like strengthening her own writing/voice, writing to process her thoughts/emotions, writing to get to know herself, her writing has also been reciprocated and she now has boxes and boxes and boxes of letter she has received over the years. As her life changes seasons, she has decided that it's time to share some of the letters she has received - for friends who have passed away, she is sending the letters to a spouse or child as a way of honoring her friends who have passed, and for some who are still living she is sending their letters back to them with a newly written letter sharing how much the letters meant to her, calling out specific things they wrote, etc. It has been beautiful to see just how much her life and friendships have been shaped through the gift and discipline of letter writing.
Oh my goodness, Laurel, this brought tears to my eyes! I had never thought of letter-writing as a way to archive and bear witness to the lives of people who cross our paths, and then to ensure the continuity of the memory of their love, beauty, and worthiness by passing the letters on to future generations. I love the organic, intimate, and tender thread that this creates, linking us together. Your client is such an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing this story!
I love how you said to "bear witness" - it makes me think of Winston and Clementine Churchill - in Sonia Purnell's biography of Clementine, she makes regular mention of the 1,500+ letters that the couple wrote to one another throughout their marriage and life together, and how those letters bore witness to the events and seasons of their lives and the thoughts and emotions that accompanied them. Reading some of the letters brought them and their relationship to life for me.
Wow. I’m adding that biography to my reading list; it seems especially relevant in these times. Thank you. 🙏
Thank you for your wisdom and inspiration for the art of letter writing.
I hope that I can integrate more pen to paper. I should!!!! Calligraphy and all!
I will remember your list of reasons why and be sure to remind myself along the way as well.
I also think I want to copy your friend David's saying of “I like to move quickly without rushing.” !!!
Aw, thank you so much, Lisa! I agree - it can be hard to overcome all the barriers to writing a letter, but just like any art form or creative project, is so meaningful when we do! And calligraphy is so much fun! David's saying is my new mantra, too!